DEFIANT IRELAND

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12521, 5 April 1935, Page 6

DEFIANT IRELAND

AVILL FIGHT AND DIE FOR RIGHTS. ! BRITAIN ASKED TO CEASE • INTERFERENCE. — FRIENDSHIP WANTED. DE VALERA'S OUTBURST. fU.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) DUBLIN, April 3. In a fighting speech >n the final stage of tho Citizenship Bill in the Senate, Mr do ALalcra denied that the 1921 treaty was a treaty of peace It denied rights for which the Irisn people would bo prepared to light and die. “All we ask,” lie said, “is that Britain should cease to interfere. Pliere is the simplest test uf whether wo arc free or not. Let the island take a plebiscite on whether it. is at, present satisfied, or desires independence. .Britain has been repeatedly asked to accept tho challenge hut refuses.” Mr do Ynlera declared ; ‘Let nobody doubt that 'British subject’ is no longer applicable to our citizens under Irish law. It was equally impertinent for Britain. to regard Irishmen as British, as it would be for Japan, to regard them as Japanese.” Tho bill, ho said, laid only a foundation of friendship with Britain, which Ireland wanted just as she desired friendship with France and Ger many but particularly Britain, as she was closer. Mr do Valera demanded the return of Irish ports now in British possession. “AA 7 e have repeatedly assured Brit; tin that jve are prepared to prevent, the Irish coast being used as a basis for foreign attack against England,” he added, “but Britain does not accept the assurance. So long us Brittain holds any portion of Ireland against the will of the Irish, no matter on what plea, so will the friendship we desire be prevented. Ireland has long fought forces stronger than herself, but the fight will con tiniie until every inch of the country ite controlled by the Government elected. by the majority of the Irish.” Tlie bill passed without- division.